In a self-centered society, Doyle stood out as the antithesis... a man willing to give himself to others in so many ways. He has also been a great example to me of what a Godly husband and father look like. No one has loved his family greater than Doyle. And then there was his bedrock faith. No matter the storm, there was Doyle pointing you to the Lord.

— Rob and Christi Griffith, friends

Raised on a farm in Colorado that his family has tended for four generations, Souser recently bought a bright red 1946 Chevy pickup because it reminded him of a similar vehicle from his youth. His family planned to have him buried on the family farm.

61 memories of Doyle

Doyle was a loving, caring, devoted man to his wife and children. In spending time with his family, you could tell what kind of man he was by who they are. He was the cornerstone of his family and a committed Christian. May God grant his family peace and strength during this surreal time in their lives.

Doyle's three wonderful children are a testimony to his care for his family. He supported his wife in homeschooling their children and was a friend and mentor to many students. Grace and peace to his family as they grieve, but look forward to seeing him again in heaven. John 3:16

Doyle was one of the most gentle and kind men that I knew. Incredible people skills and just a really neat guy. He was a strong positive influence in my life for the Lord Jesus. I am thankful for his role as a school board member during my tenure. I pray that God's grace would abound to his family, close friends, and church during this time of tragedy. Psa 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

A gentle man, Doyle represented all that is good in being a disciple of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a neighbor and more. An entire community of loved ones and people who were priviledged to know Doyle will miss his presence but his strength and kindness will continue to comfort his family and friends during this time. May God in His grace and mercy remind us that Doyle is now with his Eternal Father. Our love to Claudia and children.

At this moment, the greatest gift Doyle has given me is the reassurance of his salvation. His faith was unwaivering and he lived by example. I know that his greatest wish for us is to find the same peace and joy he had for the Lord.

Doyle was my friend. In a self-centered society, Doyle stood out as the antithesis... a man willing to give himself to others in so many ways. He has also been a great example to me of what a Godly husband and father look like. No one has loved his family greater than Doyle. And then there was his bedrock faith. No matter the storm, there was Doyle pointing you to the Lord. He, for me, has entered that 'great cloud of witnesses' commended for their faith and standing as encouragement to me to run the race with endurance.

Claudia... kids... we want so much to be with you now... holding on to you and crying with you. Please know that our hearts are there.

We most admire Doyle for his example of humility and love for his Savior and his family. Whenever you talked to him there was evidence of his faith in God and love for others. He was a dear friend to our family and there is so much about him that we will miss. Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with Claudia, Kelsey, Zachary, and Mackenzie.Philippians 4:7

I have great memories of Doyle following him around on the farm when I was little. Although I have not had much contact with Doyle in the past years I have thought of him often. Claudia and their kids are on my mind constantly during this difficult time.

Doyle's commitment to his family, to his Lord, and to his friends stands second to none. He has touched so many lives of his kids' friends - as a tutor in Economics, as a basketball and ballet dad. Our love and prayers are with the family. Doyle's legacy is in the amazing example of an honorable man of faith. Psalm 112:1-9, Is. 57:1-2.

Doyle was a kind, thoughtful and quite spoken friend. His life was deliberate and purposeful. He always had an encouraging word and thoughtful insight. His family is a shining testimony of a life well lived. I am looking forward to seeing him again. I Thessalonians 4: 13- 15

Doyle was not only a devoted man to his family, but more importantly, a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He was always positive, supportive, and inspirational to everyone he encountered sharing salvation by his exemplified life and character. On behalf of my entire family, our prayers go out to Claudia and each one of you kids. We love you and will be there to support you in any way. May the Lord give you the strength to sustain each one of you during this difficult time. We will all miss him. On a final note, the Lord's hands were stretched out wide and said, "Doyle, Welcome home thy good and faithful servant"! What a peace in knowing that we will all see him again! He will NEVER be forgotten.Psalm 23

A committed Christian family man, Doyle was a wonderful husband, father, friend and son to those he loved and had these special relationships with. He was one of our faithful Awana leaders over the years, blessing us with his smile, quiet friendly spirit, quick wit and concern for others. He was best friends with his son Zach and had a unique bond with his daughters Kelsey and Mackenzie. Even though he worked in Burbank, Doyle was not one of those work-a-holic dads who was marginal in his kid's lives, he was there with them and for them. We miss him terribly already, but we know deep down that it is right that he is now home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, waiting for us to join him there in heaven some day.

A model of fatherhood and Christian leadership. Doyle and Claudia were examples of what a Godly marriage and family looks like when my wife and I were just starting to go to church. Doyle and his amazing wife and children have left an indelible imprint on our lives and we thank God for the opportunity of knowing them.Because of Doyle's obvious faith and love of Christ, we take great comfort of knowing that he is in the arms Jesus.

The Nebraska cousins are shocked and stunned over the loss of Doyle. We know what an outstanding man he was and how deeply his loss will affect his many relatives and friends. May God especially be with Norma, JoNell, Claudia and the children. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Doyle was the perfect father. Our daughters were best friends. He was a well respected business owner, homeschool father, provider and friend. He loved his family deeply, always finding time to spend with them. His life set an example for me of what a Godly father should be. His life was a living testament of the love God has for us. I will miss him greatly.

My loss of a colleague, mentor, and most of all - friend, however large it may be, pales in comparison to the loss felt by Doyle's wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.If the measure of a man is the positive impact he had on others, Doyle was a man for the ages. He has left a tremendous footprint on our world, and I'll miss him.

My sister goes to church with Doyle's sister-in-law in Florida and shared this tragedy with our family. We are so, so saddened to hear of the loss of such a good, Godly man. I can tell by looking into his eyes that he was very kind and had a gentle, loving soul. Praising God he is with our Lord awaiting the promised resurrection for all who follow Christ. And, praying for his wife, children, family and friends he left behind. May God comfort you all with the "peace which surpasses all understanding" and the hope that we have in Him.

Our paths crossed so many years ago through careers - each of us miles from our hometown, but then our families became entertwined as friends for life. It has been both a profound and humbling experience knowing you, Doyle, and the wonderful family that you and Claudia brought into the world. Your compassion and friendship has left an indelible mark on my life and and my journey with the Lord. For those of us left behind, it is so painful, but as Christians we can find joy in knowing that you have taken up your new "residence" in heaven and will wait for us! Phil 1:21 Godspeed and hugs across the miles, Claudia, Kelsey, Zachary and MacKenzie.

Mr.Souser was an amazing person. He was really nice to me and he is my dad's best frined and now they are both in Heaven together having a blast. Most of all they are with Jesus Christ their wonderful Father. He helped plan my dad's memorial service and I was very grateful to him for doing that, and everyone else who helped. I Love you Mr.Souser! and Souser family.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8

Doyle Jay Souser was a humble man of God. He genuinely lived out the Micah Mandate. Like Christ, Doyle did not make his own self the all-absorbing and exclusive object of interest, concern, and attention. Like our Lord Jesus Christ, he was absorbed in concern for others. In this he served as a shining example to all of us.

Doyle stored up his treasure in heaven and has left his wife, his children, and his community a legacy of enduring love. I know his family will carry on his legacy. He has simply passed the baton. And they will run! His life and departure will never be in vain...the fruit and works that he has left behind will remain and multiply in Jesus' name.

A man, husband, father, and friend to remember with love and joy. Truly, he exemplified this high standard given to all Christians: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Philippians 1:27a)

We are richly blessed for having known Doyle and he will be greatly missed. May God's tender mercies rain down upon his family.

I've got a lot of memories of Doyle; he took me on my first fishing trip, gave a lot of combine rides, and he was a master at wheel swinging in the "The Bomb" (you had to be there). He will be missed. Claudia and kids, Aunt Norma and Jo: We're all thinking about you and praying with you.

Christ, Family, Wall Street Journal, NRA, Hot Rods, Fine Wine, Denver Broncos : a few of Doyle's favorite things. He was an anchor for his immediate and extended family, and no words can adequately express how he will be missed on this earth. We called on him while he was here, and now how blessed are we to have such a friend and advocate in heaven! His work is not over and he is not "gone" -- only transformed. We love you, Doyle!

As a waitress in Camarillo, I have the honor of getting to know Doyle and his son. This was a man of strong faith and down to earth. He was genuine. Many of us at Cronies in Camarillo were able to watch Zach grow up as he would stand peering in the window of the restaurant as church let out, holding a football in his hand. It would soon follow that Claire would take the girls out and Doyle and Zach would come in and enjoy a soda and root for the Broncos! I will miss you this FB season Doyle, and the many more to come.

Wow I didn't know Doyle but i was reading all the amazing things said about him and was in tears over his testimony that obviously was so evident to all the people that knew him. How beautifully people talked about him and love him. His powerful life seems as though it impacted many people and to see scripture quoted for so many people to read is amazing and God will be glorified. My prayer is that people will come to know the Lord through His amazing testimony of faith and passion for Christ. We need more bold men like that that are not ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior! To God be the Glory for this mans life. I pray that i can only be used as he was by the Lord. It pushes others to want to love Jesus More!

After reading this his last testiment spoken from his lovely friends and family left behind. I have been absolutly touched by the life he lived. In times like these I wonder if the people that passed had given their lives to the Lord. Or, If someone has been able to mister the the families that lost loved ones. I find the comfort Ive been looking for just knowing that this man Doyle is in the arms of our great father. To his family please find comfort in knowing that the life he lived for the lord and his family have echoed even though he is no longer with you, here on earth that is. My prayers are with you...

I never had the blessing of meeting this man of God in person. but I have been greatly blessed to have know his children, my friends. I have grown up in the church, and you can almost always know what a man is like by observing his family. and Doyle was very clearly an amazing, encouraging, devout man, who I will one day get to meet. his children know that he would want even his death to be a testimony of Gods grace and loving mercy. Romans 8:38-39 tells us how not even death can separate us from our loving father. and now he is with our father. amen!my prayers, and those of many people are with the entire Souser family!

Doyle and Claudia were the instruments God used to bring us into His family some 27 years ago. Doyle's spiritual thumbprint is indelibly imprinted upon our lives. He introduced us to the Navigators ministry all those years ago and we now work for that ministry in Colorado Springs. We remained close to the Sousers all these years and are deeply grieved by this tragic loss.

Claudia, Kelsey, Zach, and McKenzie - you shall remain in our thoughts and prayers as you learn to walk this life without his presence and leadership. The Lord uphold you with His righteous right hand. We're here for you to support and help in any way. Lean into the Sovereign One who has all your circumstances in His hands.

It is with sadden hearts that we learn of Doyle's untimely death. Our love and prayers goes out to Claudia and family.Doyle has left a legacy that has touched so many hearts and has pointed people to Christ with his life as an example and his quiet words spoken. He knew his maker and creator of the Universe. His family and friends can rest in that assurance. We knew Doyle in a Christian Singles group in Denver and it was a blessing to serve beside him in our early years. May God bless and comfort your family during this most difficult time.

Doyle was a student of mine at Lone Star School in Colorado when he was in the 7th grade. It was my first year of teaching and he was always a "bright spot" in my work day. Along with being a great student, he was a kind, gently, popular young man. Doyle will be greatly missed by his family and friends in Colorado as well as the ones in California.

I have seen tangible evidence of the godly example that Mr. Souser was to his family through the character that Zach has displayed. I am deeply saddened by the loss of your husband/father, but I know that his godly character will continue to live on through each of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep clinging to Him!

I was not honored enough to know Doyle like so many of the others who have expressed such beautiful words of admiration for him. As I read down the list of quotes, I can't help but fight back the tears and as I continued to read I realized something... These words of admiration regarding Doyles life, his character, his devotion and most of all his passion for Christ are the same words I would want spoken of me when Christ calls me home. How amazing that even in his absence, Doyles life is a shining example of who I want to be as a husband, a father, a friend and most importantly a Christian man. These words spoken by love ones and friends have left a lasting impression on me and I must thank Doyle for his mentorship, his love for his family and his commitment to God's work. Matthew 10:32

I was fortunate to be a pesky little cousin that spent many nights at the Bob and Norma Souser household. JoNell always played with me and I got to set across the table from my cousin Doyle. He would tease me to an extent but never in a bad way. He was always smiling and kind. In school he was always pleasant and kind to us younger "kids". My Dad taught his Sunday School class and was always proud of Doyle. He would particpate and had a good outlook on life. I haven't seen alot of Doyle in the last 30+ years, but there will always be a place in my heart for him and of course the family I have not gotten to know, along with Norma and JoNell. I love you all and pray that God is comforting you as no one else can at this time. We will all miss him, but so thankful we know where he is. Love and Prayers, Ginger

My husband received a call Friday evening summoning him away from our family to serve at the scene of the accident in Chatsworth. Later that evening we received a call from my parents informing us that a brother in Christ at FCC had been aboard the train; we began to pray for his safe return to his family.

Shortly after returning to the scene of the accident the next morning, my husband learned that our brother in Christ, Doyle Souser, had gone home to be with the Lord. Our prayers intensified for this dear family who has suffered such a great loss; yet, we take such great comfort in knowing we grieve not as the world, but as those with hope. Doyle is home rejoicing with his Savior. It is for the precious family he left behind that we now pray with fervency.

Although we have never met you, it is clear from the testimonies of those who know your family, that Doyle used his life to impact eternity. And although it was not his routine to be on the 111 train, God placed him there for a reason. In His Sovereign grace and timing we can rest and find comfort. Only eternity will reveal the extent of the impact Doyle had in this life...perhaps even to one on the train that afternoon.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows those who take refuge in Him." Nahum 1:7 May the God of all peace comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Although I don't remember the last time I actually saw Doyle, I was very sorry to hear of his passing. Even though he was over 3 years younger than me, we became good friends at Lone Star school and I know that he had asked my family about me after I left the Yuma area in 1966. After reading all of the awesome comments I am truly honored to have known him and I wish the best for his family.

Doyle was a dear brother in Christ that I always enjoyed being with. He was comfortable to share with and always an encouragement. I am afraid I took for granted that he would always be around... That we would continue to enjoy Sunday afternoon Denver Broncos games with our sons at Cronies... That we would share the joy of taking our sons to a Denver home game this November... That we would share coffee and fellowship during basketball tournaments again next season. Like many others who have posted here, I am heartsick at Doyle's loss yet joyful in the absolutely certain knowledge that I will see him again, under much better conditions (Rev 21:1-5). In the meantime, Doyle's life challenges me to be a better husband, better father, better brother, better friend. Claudia, Kelsey, Zach, Mackenzie -- may God overwhelm you with His peace (Num 6:24-26).

My cousin Doyle, a tall, lanky guy in his jeans and cowboy boots. We had fun times on the farm in Colorado, playing with the cousins, riding horses and listening to stories our parents,aunts and uncles had of farm life. My heart goes out to the whole family, Claudia and the kids, Aunt Norma, JoNell and family. We are all blessed to have known and loved Doyle. Yet, even though it hard to imagine him not being here, he is always with you in your heart. He is with God and he is always watching over you and loving you. I am praying for you all and love you all very much. Laura

In the time we spent with Doyle, his strength as a husband, father, and friend was always apparent. Doyle was clearly a man after God's own heart, a servant leader who had his priorities in life set correctly: '!as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.' (Joshua 24:15) He took very good care of Claudia's family, and was always genuine, gracious and kind. Our prayer is that all who mourn the loss of Doyle, particularly Claudia, Kelsey, Zach, and Mackenzie, will know God's peace and comfort.

Doyle has been a friend of mine since our college days together at Colorado State. Our friendship grew closer during a few short years in Denver after college before marriage and families for both of us. Our daughters attend the same university in San Diego now. Time has passed by so quickly but my memories of Doyle - conversations, basketball games, our families, our friends, and most importantly, our Christian faith - will remain until we meet again. Ardeth's and my thoughts, prayers, and encouragement will be with you, Claudia, and your wonderful Kids.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. We met briefly on the 113 Metrolink and we saw each other often during our commute. We sometimes both got off at the Camarillo station at the same time. My commuting stopped last December. I would have liked to have known him better. I bet he knew how to put together some fantastic meals for his family and friends.

Doyle and Claudia are wonderful friends to this "old Montanan". He was an example of the Christian "pilgrim" husband and father that every American Christian family should strive to emulate. Dear claudia and his children have so much to be thankful for God giving them this man for the time they had together. This family is a living testimony of God's grace and mercy. In Christian love, Jack Hane

Nearly every Thanksgiving for over 20 years, Doyle and Claudia and later Kelsey, Zach and Mackenzie have shared our family Thanksgiving table. Doyle's presence was one of the bright spots on that special holiday--he could always be counted on to connect with each person in a down-to-earth, easy, and non-judgmental way. It was his gift to those around him. His sudden departure from this life was so unexpected, yet it's such a blessing to have known a truly godly man, husband, and father. Claudia, Kelsey, Zach and Mackenzie, you are all in my prayers. May your grief be filled with the hope that comes from knowing the One in whom we believe.

Claudia, We saw you at the emergency center the night of the crash, and we have been lifting you and your family in prayer. It sounds like Doyle and my brother Walter were men cut from the same cloth. Just as they rode the train together, they are in Glory together. God is Faithful, Blessed be His name. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Tom Fuller, Walt Fuller's Little Brother

I was very blessed to have know Mr. Souser my whole life. He was a father figure to me and one of my fathers oldest friends. He was solid in his faith and devoted to his family. I will miss many things about him, from his loving smile to the tassels on his shoes! May God bless the Souser family~ our prayers will never stop.

As I read these many thought about my consin Doyle, I would like to say that my memories go back to our childhood and school days together at LSHS. May God bless your wife and children as well as your mother Norma and sister JoNell. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you at this time, and during the years to come. We love all of you.

Though we all may have lost someone who is a big part of our lives and our hearts and we are not able to replace or fill that emptyness that our love ones have taken with them when they left this world. but i hope that maybe we all can come together and allow each other to come into each others lives since i know that we all share the same pain. when my father passed in that metrolink 2008 crash my life has not been the same and its been very difficult, my father left behind his wife and 5 children and so many grand children, and we all miss and love him so much but talkin about him with my family and remembering all the good times we had with him helps us with our pain of losing him. so i just would like to let you all know i am here if you need to talk or just someone to listen to you. my email is

I want to tell the family of Doyle that they were very blessed to have Doyle in their lives,and I know that you know that, as I did all the time that we grew up at Lone Star. The best times that we had together were at Burdett and on the school bus. I have not one moment of doubt that he is walking and talking with His Lord Jesus Christ at this very moment. The last time I saw him we talked the whole time about our love for the Lord and how much we loved Him. My heart was broken the day of I heard of his death for his family, for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, but not for Doyle because I know that to be absent from this earth is to be present with the Lord if you love Him and that given your life to Him, as Doyle did. My husband and I will be praying for you daily and I pray that God will wrap His arms around you and hold you and strengthen you all. Doyle was my friend and I count it a privilege to have known him and I know that I will see him again one sweet day. And as the sweet old song says Doyle's faith has become sight.

We did not know Doyle but he sounds like a wonderful person. Our hearts go out to you in this most difficult time. We also lost our son Christopher in the accident and everyday can be a new challenge. May the memories you have of him sustain you through this most difficult time.

Doyle was one of my best friends when we attended Colorado State University in the early 70's. We lost touch when he moved to California and I moved to Texas. I always looked forward to his Thanksgiving card and the absolute joy and comfort he found in his family and faith. I wish I could have said goodbye but who ever has the chance, really? He was kind and wise and solid. A real man with a gentle soul. He enriched the World. I pray for the comfort and solace of his family who I've never met but whose pain I feel. They will never forget what a wonderful man Doyle was and neither will I.

I was so pleased to find the card from the Souser house in my box tonight--and so shocked when I opened it and found out that I wouldn't be talking to Doyle this year, or anytime this side of the Kingdom. Doyle was always my hero since we met at UNR--for so many of the reasons listed above. I very much appreciated his ability to make friends, to serve others, his love of his Lord and his family, and his ability join forces with his wife to make a home that was a beacon for many others. My thoughts and prayers go with you and yours.

In today's mail was a card from Claudia; I was excited to receive what I assumed was the Souser Family's annual Thanksgiving Letter, which I look forward to receiving and reading every year. Although I moved from Simi Valley to Sacramento in 1994, the Sousers have remained close to my heart throughout the years. They are my dear friends. Through our annual exchange of Thanksgiving and Christmas Letters and photos, we kept abreast of what's going on with our families; I felt close to them, despite the 402-mile distance. I was at Claudia's baby shower when she was pregnant with Kelsey! I had the pleasure of spending time with them in Camarillo when Doyle and I worked together at Lincoln Property Company in Westlake Village. I was in shock and disbelief when I read the card, learning for the first time that Doyle was one of those who did not survive the Metrolink crash. I remember looking at the photo of the wreckage on the Sacramento Bee with my children, and prayed for those who perished and for those who survived. There was not a list of fatalities - I was unaware, until today, that a dear friend, Doyle, was among them. This news overwhelmed me with grief. I know that the Souser Family is very strong, however, with the holidays coming up, I can only imagine what they are going through. Doyle was one of the kindest, gentlest, grounded and brightest man I know. His honesty, integrity, humility, optimism, his commitment to his family, his work ethics, his sense of humor...all these admirable traits, and many more, make him a "rare species" in today's world and I know that everyone whose life he has touched, including mine, will miss him greatly. He lived a great life on earth and I know he is looking down on us, from heaven, letting us know that eternal life with God is even better!

Claudia, Kelsey, Zach, and McKenzie, Norma and JoNell - I am so sorry to hear of Doyle's passing. The Sousers were a wonderful family when we were growing up and my brother Erik and I were fortunate to spend a lot of time in their loving, welcoming presence.

I have not seen Doyle in nearly 30 years but I can see from these tributes that he never changed from the beautiful gentle soul he was as a young man. He was quite the heroic influence as a suave high school and college guy (Doyle had a weakness for the coolest clothes back then) for my brother and I.

Back then, Doyle kept a tidy bedroom, clean car and cool clothes - very tidy. Looking back now, I can appreciate his patience and tolerance when he endured a couple of messy curious kids following him around the farm (and undoubtedly messing up his stuff). He always made us feel welcome.

I am so sorry that he's gone yet so happy that he led such a great life and has left a wonderful family and loving friends. We were all lucky to have known him and it will be good, some day, to see him again.